insights Graduating and looking for your passion?

Hello, future game-changers! My name is Caleb, and I'm a graduate consultant at AtkinsRéalis. 

If you've been thinking about applying for graduate scheme jobs and are wondering what it's like on our graduate programme, read on for insight and an answer to the question “How do I find my passion?”

In this blog, I'll tell you a bit about myself, how I started with AtkinsRéalis, and what it's like to be on one of our consulting graduate schemes.

About me: discovering my path in engineering

In 2022, I graduated from Teesside University with a master's degree in civil and structural engineering. Specializing in sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, I had a deep understanding of environmental impacts and an earnest desire to make a difference. 

A tough job market led me to pivot from civil engineering to health, safety, and environment (HSE). I reinforced this shift leveraging my prior NEBOSH certification and embarking on a nine-month upskilling program. I was ready to see these construction safety standards play out on real-world projects!

Joining AtkinsRéalis health & safety graduate scheme

In September 2023, I joined AtkinsRéalis as a graduate HSE Consultant, specifically as a Principal Designer for our clients. This role allowed me to use my civil engineering background and passion for HSE. 

Now, I'm part of a diverse team that works on a wide range of projects across Scotland in the commercial, education, and utility sectors to deliver a range of health and safety-related services.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a Principal Designer?

A Principal Designer's primary role is to ensure that health and safety considerations are integral to a project's design and planning stages. 

I'm responsible for the many tasks that help keep our construction sites safe and up to standard. This includes performing site audits/risk assessments to spot potential hazards, preparing detailed pre-construction information to keep everyone informed, ensuring our projects meet all safety regulations in line with relevant regulations, and collaborating with clients and colleagues throughout construction to ensure safety is always a priority.

My journey so far shows how important adaptability and continuous learning are in your early career.

I'm developing the career I want

At AtkinsRéalis, the supportive environment of colleagues, line managers, and senior management has significantly enabled my professional growth.

Programmes such as chartership sessions help us find routes to chartership in our fields. I've been supported in pursuing CPD training and further learning by enrolling in a two-year diploma course as part of my journey to chartership. 

Support and flexibility at AtkinsRéalis have given me the autonomy to juggle my work and study demands, finding a perfect balance of home, office, and site work.

What it's really like to work here

Work/life balance and flexibility are two things I love about working at AtkinsRéalis. 

The organization places a big emphasis on balancing work and personal life. I've had situations where I'm reminded to take some time off and offered help managing my workload, showing a clear concern for me. This positive culture is also characterized by a tailored personal development plan aligning with my preferences and aiding my career progression.

The most valuable support has been from my line manager and colleagues across my projects and ongoing diploma courses. I am constantly learning at AtkinsRéalis, where everyone is eager to share knowledge and help me grow professionally. 

So far, I have learned so much as part of the team, and it's even better than I anticipated. This support has been invaluable and even helped me complete my diploma course's first module.

How I'm shaping a sustainable future

Across our projects, we aim to make sustainable recommendations for people and the environment. 

In one of our demolition projects, we were able to repurpose a significant amount of the demolished steel.

In relation to construction waste, which accounts for a whopping 62% of waste generated in the UK, we also incorporate proper waste management strategies with waste delivery notes as requirements for contractors where necessary. This is often contractual, and we enforce this to ensure that waste from our sites is disposed of safely and does not pollute the environment.

At AtkinsRéalis, young professionals can really make a significant impact. I'm proud of how I safeguard everyone on my project sites.

I enjoy where I'm taking my career with AtkinsRéalis

Everyone on my team is committed to excellence in health and safety, and our principal designer services are a testament to this. 

By ensuring that safety is a foundational element of every project, we not only comply with regulatory standards but also promote a culture of safety that protects lives and enhances the quality of our projects. 

Explore our graduate scheme jobs today. Make sure to check out our guide on things to consider when applying to graduate schemes too.